Keith L. Berghuis' Obituary
Keith L. Berghuis passed away on January 28, 2020 at Allendale Nursing & Rehab Facility. Keith was born at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon on March 11, 1935 to Louis and Faun (Carlson) Berghuis. He attended Muskegon Public Schools and graduated from Muskegon High School. He attended Muskegon Jr. College, the University of Maryland, and the American Institute of Banking. He enlisted into the US Army in January 1955 and following basic training attended Russian language school and Cryptologist training at Fort Devins, Massachusetts. Upon graduation, he was advanced to work for the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, Maryland. On September 15, 1956, he married his sweetheart Charlene Hauke in Muskegon Heights. Following his military service, he returned home to Muskegon and was employed by the MESC, the Muskegon County Dept. of Social Service and eventually Hackley Union National Bank, Muskegon, as a loan officer. A few years later he worked for Union Bank, Grand Rapids as a Branch Manager and Vice President. Following 20 plus years in banking. Keith operated Mobile Home Dealerships in Fruitport, Fremont, and Muskegon. While living in Fruitport, he was appointed to the Fruitport Village Council where he held office for several years. Keith was also elected officer of the Muskegon Jaycees, where he served as director of several Community Affair programs, as well as a director of many Youth programs. Keith and Charlene are members of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Norton Shores. Keith was preceded in death by his caring parents in 1986, as well as his loving grandmother, Kathryn Carlson, also in 1986. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Charlene. They had 4 loving children, Debra (Scott) Machowski, Jeffrey (Karen) Berghuis, Kurt (Connie) Berghuis and Scott (Carolyn) Berghuis. They have 10 terrific grandchildren, Alicia Curley, Allyson (Jeffery) Morton, Nicholas Berghuis, Andrew (Ashley) Gavin, Kara (Philip) Douthett, Kelley (William) Lowery, Brittany Berghuis, Kayleigh (Roy) Alstat, Kyle (Liz) Berghuis and Christopher Berghuis. Also, 13 great grandchildren. In accordance to Keith’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Keith is with his Lord and Savior. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A visitation with the family will be held two hours prior. Memorial contributions in Keith’s honor may be directed to Hospice of Holland. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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